Perhaps no adult employed at Trinity High School has had more influence over students or changed more young lives than Charles Clark, the school's custodian. Clark has mentored countless kids in need of a father figure at the Texas high school, even housing several of them in his home over the years. In the beginning, he took the custodial position thinking he would keep it until he found something better, but 24 years later, he still hasn’t found it.

Now Clark. 63, has bested more than 400 teachers, administrators and school district employees from 33 states to become the "LifeChanger of the Year" Grand Prize Winner. The national award honors outstanding educators and school district employees who make a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Early on, Clark became aware that many Trinity students came from single-parent homes and lacking a father figure. Clark’s strong bond with his own dad, now 95, made him realize how important it is for kids to have positive role models and, sometimes, just someone to talk to.

“The most important thing is just talking to kids and getting them to understand what life is all about and to be responsible for themselves,” says Clark. “What is rewarding is when they come back and tell me that something I said or did 17 or 18 years ago had a positive influence on their life.

Everyone at the Euless school knows Mr. Clark for his smile, inspirational stories, and words of encouragement, but his commitment goes much deeper. Over the years Clark has purchased clothing and shoes for needy students, provided transportation to jobs, and has even taken students into his home when they needed a place to stay.

Stephanie Millar, a teacher who is now the assistant principal, has witnessed Clark's calming attitude that allows "each student the time to talk and find ways to make better decisions."

"Just this past weekend I witnessed a young man that Mr. Clark took under his wing and allowed to sleep at his home, graduate from college. He took him to Mississippi to see the ‘real’ life." wrote Millar in a testimonial for the nominee. "Ryan McBean was a lost soul when he came to Trinity from Jamaica, he got into our football program and… went on to play football in college and now is in the NFL. But Charles kept on him to finish his college degree and he did!"

"When former students come back, the majority go to see Charles first," she added.

The National Life Group, a financial services and insurance company headquartered in Vermont, recognizes ten honorees from schools around the country each year, awarding them with a personal cash prize and school donation.

As the LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Winner for 2012-2013, Mr. Clark was awarded with $10,000 -- half of which was donated to Trinity High School -- and was invited to join the Cabot Community Celebrity Cruise in January 2014. He joined the other nine nominees for a gala banquet in Florida in March where he was celebrated as the winner.

You can nominate an educator or staff member on the LifeChanger website, here. Submit your nomination by December 31st, and your nominee will receive: A LifeChanger of the Year 2013-14 Nominee coffee mug in a gift box; a personalized message card from you, a personalized e-Certificate and a nominee profile on the website.

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"They’re going through the debris, looking for more bodies. The newspaper today is calling it the worst disaster in Philippines history.”

November 11, 2013 - With fears of 10,000 or more casualties from Friday morning's typhoon in central Philippines, there is an urgent need for prayer as Samaritan's Purse rushes aid to areas in dire need.

By Trevor Freeze

The reality of exactly how bad things are in the Philippines is just starting to come into focus.

A record-setting typhoon with sustained winds of 195 mph decimated the central part of this country early Friday morning, leaving behind so much destruction that many places are impossible to reach by road.

An estimated 4 million people have been impacted by Typhoon Haiyan, including more than 650,000 Filipinos displaced, according to news reports, and the death toll is feared to be 10,000 people in Tacloban City alone.

“The destruction is like a bomb,” said James Tioco,national leadership coordinator for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) in the Philippines. “The Tacloban City region is completely flattened. And the only way to go is by boat.”

Tioco lives in Manila, more than 500 miles — and 13 hours by car — to Tacloban City, ground zero for this tragedy. But as the and local coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team), he’s been in contact with many of the pastors, who are “desperate and distraught.”

And the situation, according to Tioco, is about as dire as you can imagine.

“It’s a very similar effect as the tsunami that hit Indonesia,” Tioco said. “It’s like a tsunami where the wave from the sea just came and washed the whole town away.

“Yesterday, I was on the phone with one of the regional coordinators for OCC,” he continued. “He was almost speechless. We asked him to describe what he was seeing and he was almost in tears.”

Bantayan Island, north of Cebu City, was also hit extremely hard. Tioco heard of one evacuation center that collapsed when it was full of people, claiming the lives of about 600.

“They’re going through the debris, looking for more bodies,” Tioco said. “The newspaper today is calling it the worst disaster in Philippines history.”

Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground, helping deliver aid to those most in need. Items being rushed to these areas include community water filters, protective tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency family food packets.

“We will do everything we can to provide for their needs,” said Franklin Graham, CEO and president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We’ll be there not only to provide survivors with physical aid, but also to share God’s love and bring hope to their communities.”

Tioco, who is helping coordinate the relief effort, is well-connected with churches around the Philippines, having served as the national coordinator in 2006 for BGEA’s My Hope, which saw 22,000 churches involved in the nationwide outreach.

But even all the connections in the world can’t help him reach every pastor. “Communication is difficult,” he said. “Sixty-seven cell phone towers are down.”

Tioco said 250 churches involved with Operation Christmas Child have been impacted by the typhoon; many of those were also involved with My Hope along with other BGEA outreach events in both Manila (Billy Graham Crusade, 1977; Franklin Graham Festival, 2006) and the Bicol region (Will Graham Celebration, 2011).

“We are still conducting our assessments with local churches,” said Tioco, who at age 15 gave his life to Christ at the 1977 Billy Graham Manila Crusade. “The main challenge is getting to the areas most needed.”

BGEA also launched its Search for Jesus Internet Evangelism ministry in the Philippines (hopekaygod.net) in 2012. Tioco is hoping that the relief effort over the coming months by the local churches will help open the door for additional spiritual conversation as people search for hope.

“Those areas hardest hit, we call it hard soil,” Tioco said. “Eventually, after all the rebuilding is done, the churches can get some credibility and be able to impart the true Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ to those that are truly in need.”

How to Pray

Tioco has asked for three specific prayer requests for central Philippines.

For those who lost loved ones: “It definitely is going to be traumatic for most of them. Newspapers are calling these people “zombies,” just walking down the middle of the street. Don’t know where they’re going.”

Safety for all relief teams traveling: “Security forces are not functioning. Out of 300 policemen in the city only 20 reported for duty. Government is declaring Martial Law in those areas.”

More support to help those in need: “This is by far the worst disaster in Philippines history. It will take months to gather what actually transpired.”

26 COMMENTS

Celia says 11.15.2013, 12:29 a.m.

Please God, keep all of these people in your loving arms, hold them close and comfort them, give them strength, let them know you have not abandoned them, that you are right there with them and you will guide them to safety. May God be with you all.

Nathan says 11.15.2013, 09:27 a.m.

I pray that Christ gives strength an power to all. I pray that emergency aid is delivered quickly to the people in much need.

joy says 11.15.2013, 09:22 a.m.

Jesus is praying John 17. And Friend at church and in the community are praying too.

Cat says 11.14.2013, 11:25 a.m.

Amen

First Name Only ming says 11.14.2013, 00:37 a.m.

Dear Lord, I agree with them all, in Jesus' name Amen

Nathaniel says 11.13.2013, 7:23 p.m.

Lord have mercy on your children and I send your love in prayers, and a donation that you might increase it a hundredfold, for the saving work needed in the Philippines.

janice says 11.13.2013, 2:19 p.m.

Praying for help, medical care, and comfort and mercy and the moving of God's Holy Spirit in the lives of thePhillipine people.

anne says 11.13.2013, 09:20 a.m.

Father, I ask you to please send all the help that is needed in the Philippines to these devastated people, also to the helpers, surround them with Your angels. That they reach everyone safely, in Jesus name!

Patty says 11.13.2013, 07:38 a.m.

Praying the water supply be cleaned up quickly. Love mercy and safety for all.

Bonnie says 11.13.2013, 00:24 a.m.

I pray that the Lord will meet all of the needs of all who were impacted by this tragedy - that he would bring comfort to those who lost loved ones - that he would supply food and shelter to the survivors and that he will bless all who are helping!

Dianna says 11.12.2013, 11:56 p.m.

Please dear lord we may not know what your plan is..I am sure you have something much better for our brothers and sisters . Lift their spirits, with you there is faith, hope, love .Amen

Richard says 11.12.2013, 10:33 p.m.

Christians around the world are praying for you. I pray for relief efforts to reach you soon, and for you to be comforted and strengthened knowing we are praying for you and that God loves you. May His peace and grace be yours.In Jesus' name I pray.

Don says 11.12.2013, 9:30 p.m.

Thank you for your loving help to the poor people in the Philippines. Don

Godwin says 11.12.2013, 8:24 p.m.

Praying for you all !!!In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

Sandy says 11.12.2013, 8:20 p.m.

Praying for God's mercy and care about the many who have been hurt and devastated by this tragedy. Praying for the safety of all relief, medical and ministry teams. I pray that these people will feel them lifted up in prayer, and feel Gods love.

Adadu Michael Ogabenyi says 11.12.2013, 7:36 p.m.

Lord you are before all things and in all things holds, let your children see you adjoining this difficult moment in Jesus name Amen!!

Eileen says 11.12.2013, 4:51 p.m.

I have been constantly praying and will give what I can to help but won't stop praying for them!! my love and blessings go out to them

Julie says 11.12.2013, 3:41 p.m.

I am praying for the Philippines and Samaritan's Purse as the team reaches out with physical and spiritual helps.

Patty says 11.12.2013, 3:38 p.m.

I left them up to the Father who has his arms around them.

Lianne says 11.12.2013, 3:36 p.m.

It saddens me reading about all those that are affected. I will pray earnestly for them.

Lakeysha says 11.12.2013, 3:24 p.m.

Praying for God's peace and comfort during this time of tragedy!!

Marie says 11.12.2013, 3:09 p.m.

My prayers for my Filipino brothers and sisters! We will make it again. God loves us!

Becky says 11.12.2013, 2:52 p.m.

Precious Lord, I hold up in prayer all those affected by this tragedy. Lord, you know their needs and devastations. Praying help for their safety, physical and spiritual needs. Please keep safe and give strength to the helpers.

Jean says 11.12.2013, 2:52 p.m.

God please help all of these people!! Help the needy and the young!! Please get them food and supplies, and shelter and most of all let them know that Jesus loves them! Tell them people around the world are sending help, love and supplies!!

Pamela says 11.12.2013, 1:59 p.m.

I pray God's love and mercy surround all those impacted by this tragedy.

Linda says 11.12.2013, 1:52 p.m.

Prayers being sent for these precious people, for safety teams, and support teams, and all that are ministering to these precious people. I'd like to give directly to help these people God bless all!!